Professor Dr. Ulrich Hegerl (President, EAAD) suggests that the combination of integrating these four pillars within a community is the most effective way to reduce suicidality. Many benefits can be expected from this approach.

To provide activity and interventions within all four categories will require the Alliance to engage with stakeholders across the community, including primary care, community-based services, local leaders, media, consumers and carers.

Depression is a high prevalence, at times severe, and often life-threatening mental health disorder. It affects the lives of many Australians every day. It is often associated with deep suffering and can be an enormous burden to those affected. There are different types of depressive disorders with symptoms ranging from relatively minor (yet still disabling) through to severe.

Many people at times can experience loss, heartache, and sadness, which is momentary and not permanently debilitating. It is when these feelings of intense hopelessness last for many days and affect regular functioning that a person can develop diagnosed depression.

The close link between suicidal behaviour and depression is well documented. Research from the American Association of Sociology suggests the risk of suicide is as high as 15 per cent among patients with severe and recurrent depressive disorders. Therefore, a renewed focus on preventative actions to improve the care and treatment for people dealing with depression is required. This holistic approach can result in a reduction of suicide at a whole of population level.